Arizona

U.S. Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) on Monday said that Arizona governor Jan Brewer should veto legislation that would allow business owners to cite their religious beliefs in refusing to serve gay and lesbian customers and others.

McCain’s tweet mirrors that which was sent Saturday by U.S. Sen. Jeff Flake, Arizona’s other GOP Senator.

The legislation (SB 1062) allows business owners with strongly held religious beliefs to refuse service to gays, and all eyes are on Brewer as she decides whether to sign the bill. A decision is likely next week.

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Social conservatives and libertarian-minded members of the GOP believe the legislation protects the First Amendment rights of business owners who are expressing their religious beliefs.